IGT notes limitations of slot conversion kit

Thursday, Dec. 28, 2000 | 11:19 a.m.

RENO -- International Game Technology of Reno today noted that its games and cashless slot patents are not licensed to Shuffle Master Inc. of Las Vegas, which is promoting a kit to convert certain IGT three-reel slots to slots with Shuffle Master's operating system.

IGT said that following Shuffle Master's Dec. 19 announcement of the conversion kit, it "received numerous inquiries regarding this product and the availability of IGT's game library on this platform."

IGT issued this response today: "In its recent press release, Shuffle Master Inc. stated that its conversion kit is designed to provide owners of S +(TM) machines with the ability to install new games and upgrade components, including those necessary to operate cashless systems.

It is IGT's understanding that Shuffle Master intends to market this platform and operating system in combination with its own game library and those of third party developers. At this time, however, IGT's game library, including its most popular themes, such as Red White & Blue and Double Diamond, are not licensed to Shuffle Master to operate with its conversion kit. In addition, IGT's cashless patents are not currently licensed to Shuffle Master."

IGT added that it will continue to work closely with Shuffle Master on their joint venture to develop and market games based on themes like "The Three Stooges," "Honeymooners" and "Let's Make A Deal."